Fulham and Newcastle are understood to be tracking Levante midfielder Felix Ettien.
The 27-year-old is out of contract with the Valencia-based club next summer and as yet no new offer is on the table.
The Ivorian-born midfielder, who can play through the middle or on the right, has impressed in recent seasons and now a host of clubs are taking a close look – especially given that he can move for nothing next year.
Villarreal and Marseille are known to have scouted him, but it can also be revealed that Premiership clubs Fulham and Newcastle are taking a keen interest, too.
The player’s agent Alberto Toldra refused to name the specific clubs, but admitted there was strong interest.
“The interest is in Spain, France and England for a player that will be free in June for any club,” Toldra said.
Although Levante are yet to offer him new terms it is thought they are keen to tie Ettien down and extend his stay which already stretches some ten seasons – after he made his debut as a 17-year-old for the Granotes.
The player himself admits he will give Levante first option on his services.
“My priority is to stay here,” Ettien told Cadenna Ser.
“To listen to another club now would be silly because it would not come to anything.
“I am here and the club have behaved very well with me and if they continue to do so then good.
“Until my future is decided I will not listen to anybody else.”
Ettien is set to become a Spanish citizen in the coming months – and he admits that would make a move easier.
“I soon hope to be a [European] citizen, it would be very good for me as more doors would be opened to me, but firstly I have Levante – she is the one that has made all this possible for me.”
